SEX SHOULD NEVER BE A PART OF COUNSELING OR HYPNOSIS

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

When choosing a helper, get a referral from a friend or a good referring organization like the International Hypnosis Federation, www.hypnosisfederation.com. Before selecting a helper you may want to interview several to find one who makes you comfortable. If you are unsure after one session, consider a different helper. Do not feel pressured to stay with one counselor.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is It Normal To Feel Attracted To A Helper?

Clients commonly have strong feelings for an attentive, kind and caring helper. However, counselors are trained to maintain a relationship that is beneficial to you. However if such natural feelings arise, professionals are supposed to let you explore and resolve feelings; not act them out.

What If I Was The One Who Brought Up Having Sex?

That doesn’t matter. The therapist is responsible for keeping sexuality out of therapy. If you made an advance they should clearly state; “Sometimes clients have strong feelings for their counselor, however those feelings are not appropriate if expressed. In order to continue we must agree to have a strictly professional relationship. Will you agree to that? If not we must terminate this session and I will refer you to another helper.”

Is It Okay To Have Sex With My Counselor?

No one has the right to sexual exploit you. Question any action that seems sexual in nature. Immediately end any relationship that seems unsafe. Clearly Stated: Sexual contact between a helping professional and a client is illegal and unethical. Any helper who exploits clients to fulfill their own needs or desires is immoral and unethical and should be reported to the police. IHF members are trained and educated to know that sexual behavior with a client during the performance of their profession disciplines is inappropriate and can result in criminal charges.

Why Would Someone Sexually Exploit A Client?

There are as many excuses as there are abuses and no excuse is acceptable by IHF standards. Our members do not use a trusted, therapeutic relationship for their own sexual gain.

What If They Retaliate, Harass, Or File A Lawsuit Against Me For Reporting Them?

Retaliation and harassment of a complainant is illegal and can be prosecuted. If this happens contact your local district attorney. If an abuser files a lawsuit against you, you will be required to legally defend yourself however, the law provides immunity from monetary liability for reporting misconduct to a licensing board. Helping professionals are trusted and respected. A client may admire their helper or feel attracted to them. However, any helper/counselor who accepts or encourages these normal feelings in a sexual way, or says or implies that sexual involvement is “part of therapy” is taking illegal advantage and could go to jail. If sexual involvement begins, help for the client ends as the original issues that brought the person for help is postponed, neglected, and/or lost. Those who endure abusive behavior from a counselor often are hurt and suffer. Family life and friendships may be disrupted or even ruined.